Why Study/Key Benefits

• Industry-designed qualification developed to meet the needs of New Zealand’s engineering sector.

• Practical and theoretical grounding in electrical engineering, electronics, networks, protection, programming, design and technical drawing.

• Opportunity to apply current and emerging technologies while working closely with professional engineers.

• Develops technical thinking, problem-solving and the ability to design and implement engineering technology.

• The qualification is aligned with the Engineering New Zealand Graduate Profile for Engineering Technicians and is benchmarked against the international Dublin Accord framework.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The qualification contains 240 credits. Ara’s programme page lists the following course options by level. The published webpage has separate “Core courses” and “Elective courses” headings, but the extracted course listing does not clearly identify the status of every individual course. Applicants should request the current programme schedule to confirm which courses are compulsory and which are elective.

Level 4

• Engineering Fundamentals – DE4101, 15 credits.

• Engineering Mathematics 1 – DE4102, 15 credits.

• Technical Literacy – DE4103, 15 credits.

• Electrical Principles – DE4401, 15 credits.

• Electrical and Electronic Applications – DE4402, 15 credits.

Level 5

• Power Engineering – DE5401, 15 credits.

• PLC Programming 1 – DE5402, 15 credits.

• Electronic Principles – DE5403, 15 credits.

• Electrical Machines – DE5404, 15 credits.

• Introduction to Networks – DE5408, 15 credits.

• Engineering Mathematics Level 5 – DE5418, 15 credits.

Level 6

• Engineering Management – DE6101, 15 credits.

• Engineering Project – DE6102, 15 credits.

• Power Systems 1 – DE6401, 15 credits.

• High Power Electric Motors for Transport – DE6410A, 15 credits.

• PLC Programming 2 – DE6411, 15 credits.

• Maintenance Engineering Management – DE6419, 15 credits.

• Protection – DE6420, 15 credits.

  Ara

Main subject areas include:

• Electrical engineering principles and applications.

• Electrical and electronic systems.

• Power engineering and power systems.

• Electrical machines and high-power electric motors.

• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming.

• Electronic principles and electrical networks.

• Protection systems.

• Engineering mathematics and technical literacy.

• Engineering management and project work.

Disciplines/Specialisations

• Selected specialisation: Electrical Engineering.

• The qualification is part of the broader New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6), which has separate pathways in Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical and Fire Engineering.

• The Electrical pathway focuses on electrical systems, power engineering, electrical machines, electronic applications, networks, protection and programming.

 

Programme Highlights

• National Level 6 engineering diploma with 240 credits.

• Two-year full-time study structure.

• Electrical engineering subjects from fundamentals through power systems, electrical machines, PLC programming and protection.

• Industry-designed courses focused on practical engineering knowledge and problem-solving.

• A pathway to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology with established cross-crediting arrangements.

• Engineering New Zealand lists Ara’s Electrical Engineering diploma as accredited from 2012, with the next scheduled review/report in 2027.

Career Outcomes

Ara describes the programme as preparation for a career as an electrical engineering technician. The course content supports technical work involving:

• Electrical engineering systems and applications.

• Electrical machines and power systems.

• Electronic systems and networks.

• PLC programming and control-related applications.

• Electrical protection systems.

• Engineering project and maintenance management.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The programme page currently advertises February 2027 as the next start, while the application section also lists a July 2027 start.

• The international closing date is “Please enquire”.

• The 2027 International Mini Guide confirms the Electrical Engineering diploma at NZD 29,380 per year and lists February/July commencement.

• Engineering New Zealand lists Ara’s Electrical Engineering diploma as accredited from 2012, with its next scheduled review/report in 2027.

• Additional equipment or programme-related fees are advised before enrolment.

• Recommended school subjects are English, Mathematics and Physics. Calculus, algebra and trigonometry are particularly relevant to the programme.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students accepted into the programme may apply for a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa. Ara’s programme page states that the course may be available for a study visa, but admission to Ara does not guarantee visa approval. Immigration New Zealand makes the final decision.

Main visa requirements:

• An offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.

• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship or other approved funding arrangement.

• Evidence of sufficient money for living expenses, or an acceptable sponsor.

• Evidence of good health and character; medical examinations, chest X-rays or police certificates may be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

• Genuine intention to study and comply with visa conditions.

• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period of stay.

• Evidence of onward or return travel, or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket out of New Zealand.

• Valid passport and supporting documents required by Immigration New Zealand.

Financial requirements:

• For tertiary study lasting one year or longer: NZD 20,000 for each year of study.

• For study lasting less than one year: NZD 1,667 per month.

• Applicants must also demonstrate that they can pay the required tuition fees.

• Students planning to study for more than one year should prepare a credible plan for funding later years, as well as the initial year.

Visa application cost and processing:

• Fee Paying Student Visa cost: from NZD 850.

• Immigration New Zealand states that 80% of applications are processed within 7 weeks.

• The visa may be issued for up to 4 years, but is normally linked to the period of study paid for or the passport expiry date, whichever comes first.

• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before planned travel.

Work rights:

• Eligible student visa holders may be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Full-time work may be permitted during scheduled holidays, depending on the visa conditions and course arrangements.

• Work rights depend on the conditions granted on the individual student visa; students must check their own visa before starting employment.

Insurance and attendance:

• Students must maintain medical and travel insurance acceptable to Ara for the required period.

• Students must attend the programme stated on their visa and make satisfactory academic progress.

• Ara’s international fee guidance confirms that tuition payment and an official fee receipt are required as part of the visa process.